Starting an online business? 10 cringe worthy lessons I learned Ep.3
Aug 03, 2022
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So you’re thinking about starting your own business? In this episode I wanted to talk you through what NOT to do to get started. I’m basically telling you all the cringey mistakes that I made and wasted so much time on, so you don’t have to.
Likes Won’t Pay the Bills
When I first started out, I had a beautiful blog but had no idea how to monetize it. Likes and follows are nice to have, but those were not going to pay my bills. What I learned was that things didn’t have to be perfect for me to move the needle in my business.
Learn From My Mistakes
Today, I want to share with you all my cringe-worthy mistakes so that you don’t have to learn them the hard way.
1) Set Up a Registered Business Before You Get Started
No, I’m not asking you to run an illegal operation here. What I’m saying is don’t get caught up in the structure of the business. As a solo-preneur starting from scratch, I would focus on making money and getting the business going. Now, if you are doing a startup company, this is different for you.
2) Focusing on Branding and Aesthetic
Stop spending time and resources to LOOK the part. I wouldn’t focus your energy on aesthetics and expensive equipment to start with. This is an activity that has nothing to do with making money.
3) Copying Others and Thinking it Will Work for You
When you look at other people and see what they are doing, it’s the tip of the iceberg. At the heart of the business is the strategy behind it!
You don’t want to create content for the wrong audience and if you are copying somebody else’s content, you stand a chance of attracting the wrong audience and wasting your time. Just because it works for them, does not mean it will work for you.
4) Focusing on Vanity Metrics for Too Long
If you aren’t an influencer who depends on sponsors, you want to focus on what will make money. I would encourage you to learn the psychology of marketing in order to move the needle in your business.
5) Just Hoping People Will Turn Up
Just because you build something, doesn’t mean people will come. Make sure you have a strategy behind it.
6) Expecting Your Friends and Family to Support You
This can be hurtful but remember that your friends and family do support you, they just might not be your ideal client. There are millions of people in this world. Find your people and know there are people who will support you and need what you have to offer. Find your people and really cater to them.
7) Not Testing and Just Hoping for the Best
When I first started I made a plan and just walked in it. I had a goal to write 100 blog posts. Halfway through I was frustrated with it not working. It wasn’t until I learned more about marketing that I realized where I went wrong. Yes, learn all you can but as you start moving forward, pay attention to what’s working and what’s not working. Don’t be afraid to change the plan to what works for you.
8) Creating Your Offer Before Doing Research
When I launched my Pinterest course, it’s because Pinterest was the one thing that worked for my blog. I was being asked so many questions about Pinterest. I paid attention to this need and ran with it.
“If I had an hour to solve a problem I'd spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and five minutes thinking about solutions.” Albert Einstein
At the heart of business is service. Have an understanding of what your audience wants and combine this with your zone of genius.
9) Waiting for Everything to be Perfect Before You Get Started
Don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis. Get feedback from people. Feedback is like gold. It's your audience telling you what they want. Marie Floreo once said, “Clarity comes from action.”
10) Not Finding a Community and Trying to Do Everything by Myself
When you are first getting started, self-doubt is at an all time high. Community can help you stay on track and cheer you on. You can find community for free in Facebook Groups and find your community to encourage one another.
I hope you find these tips helpful. Before you leave, I have a free gift for you. I created a worksheet called The Social Media Manifesto. This will help guide you to show up online with confidence. Also, make sure you check out my 7 Simple Steps to starting an online business!
Favourite Quotes I Discussed:
“If I had an hour to solve a problem I'd spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and five minutes thinking about solutions.” Albert Einstein
“Clarity comes from action.” Marie Floreo
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